Communication Ethics in Research: Online Quizzes and Practice Tests

Question 1

In communication research, which of the following is NOT an essential ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 2

Which fundamental ethical principle requires researchers to respect the autonomy of participants and obtain their voluntary agreement to participate in research?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Question 3

What is the primary goal of informed consent in communication research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that participants fully comprehend the study's purpose, risks, and benefits before agreeing to participate

Answer

To protect researchers from legal liability

Answer

To prove that participants are capable of making informed decisions

Answer

To obtain permission to collect data from participants

Question 4

What is the primary function of ethical review boards (ERBs) in communication research?

Accepted Answer

To review and approve research proposals to ensure adherence to ethical guidelines

Answer

To provide legal counsel to researchers

Answer

To investigate allegations of research misconduct

Answer

To disseminate research findings

Question 5

The process of ensuring that research participants fully understand and voluntarily agree to participate is known as:

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Confidentiality agreement

Answer

Data collection

Answer

Ethical approval

Question 6

The main purpose of a confidentiality agreement in communication research is to:

Accepted Answer

Safeguard participant identities

Answer

Ensure anonymity of data

Answer

Prevent misuse of data

Answer

Fulfill legal requirements

Question 7

In communication research, obtaining explicit permission from participants prior to conducting any research procedures is a requirement of which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 8

The purpose of a confidentiality agreement in research is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure the privacy of participants' personal information

Answer

Obtain informed consent from participants

Answer

Protect the researcher from legal liability

Answer

Guarantee the accuracy of the research findings

Question 9

Which research design typically involves actively manipulating variables to examine their impact on the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

Experimental research

Answer

Observational research

Answer

Qualitative research

Answer

Mixed-methods research

Question 10

The ethical principle of justice requires researchers to:

Accepted Answer

Distribute the benefits and burdens of research fairly

Answer

Treat all participants with respect

Answer

Protect participants from harm

Answer

Obtain informed consent

Question 11

Observing participants' behavior in a natural setting without their knowledge is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Covert observation

Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Structured observation

Answer

Overt observation

Question 12

How does the rapid advancement of technology, social media, and data analytics affect ethical considerations in communication research?

Accepted Answer

It heightens ethical concerns and presents new challenges.

Answer

It simplifies ethical considerations and makes research easier.

Answer

It has little impact on ethical considerations.

Answer

It is unrelated to ethical considerations in communication research.

Question 13

The primary purpose of maintaining confidentiality in research is to:

Accepted Answer

Safeguard the privacy and well-being of participants

Answer

Prevent unauthorized access to and manipulation of data

Answer

Ensure unbiased results

Answer

Fulfill legal obligations

Question 14

How do ethical principles and guidelines differ across communication research methods?

Accepted Answer

They vary depending on the specific context and purpose of the research.

Answer

They remain consistent across all methods.

Answer

They are more stringent for quantitative methods than qualitative methods.

Question 15

Confidentiality in research is important for:

Accepted Answer

Protecting participants' privacy and sensitive information

Answer

Avoiding bias in data interpretation

Answer

Ensuring the transparency of research findings

Question 16

To minimize conflicts of interest, researchers should:

Accepted Answer

Disclose all potential conflicts to participants and relevant parties

Answer

Obtain external funding to support their research

Answer

Avoid conducting research in areas where they have personal interests

Question 17

Responsible data use in research involves:

Accepted Answer

Storing data securely and minimizing data retention

Answer

Sharing data with third parties without consent

Answer

Using data for purposes beyond the scope of the research

Question 18

Which of the following is a common ethical dilemma in communication research?

Accepted Answer

Deception or withholding information from participants

Answer

Using large sample sizes

Answer

Employing mixed methods

Question 19

What is the primary function of research ethics committees (RECs)?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing and approving research proposals to ensure ethical compliance

Answer

Providing legal advice to researchers

Answer

Conducting the research themselves

Question 20

What is the key distinction between coercion and undue influence in research?

Accepted Answer

Coercion involves threats or physical force, while undue influence is more subtle and involves pressure or manipulation

Answer

Coercion is illegal, while undue influence is not